Techstravaganza

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  • Only 15 minutes to go! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly heads up that there are only 15 minutes left to go until our Techstravaganza workshop, which will start promptly at 1:00 PM Eastern, and will run until 3:00 PM.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On today’s Techstravaganza, we will explore a new Ai (artificial intelligence) tool called Perplexity, and all that it has to offer. We will explore the iPhone/iPad app as well as the desktop version which you can find at
    http://www.perplexity.ai

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

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    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon!

  • One Hour Reminder! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    Only one hour to go until our Techstravaganza workshop, which will start promptly at 1:00 PM Eastern, and will run until 3:00 PM.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On today’s Techstravaganza, we will explore a new Ai (artificial intelligence) tool called Perplexity, and all that it has to offer. We will explore the iPhone/iPad app as well as the desktop version which you can find at
    http://www.perplexity.ai

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon!

  • Correction: Techstravaganza to start promptly at 1:00 PM Eastern

    Hello Techstravaganza Friends,

    I wanted to take this opportunity to express my sincere apologies for an error that I committed a few minutes ago. I was attempting to schedule the 15 minute reminder for today’s workshop to go out at 12:45 PM Eastern, and I accidentally clicked on Publish now. Please be advised that the 15 minute reminder will drop once again at the correct time. Once again my sincere apologies for the inconvenience, and i look forward to seeing you this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern!

  • Only 15 minutes to go! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly heads up that there are only 15 minutes left to go until our Techstravaganza workshop, which will start promptly at 1:00 PM Eastern, and will run until 3:00 PM.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On today’s Techstravaganza, we will explore a new Ai (artificial intelligence) tool called Perplexity, and all that it has to offer. We will explore the iPhone/iPad app as well as the desktop version which you can find at
    http://www.perplexity.ai

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you all this afternoon!

  • Techstravaganza Reminder for Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    Happy Tuesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, January 14, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On tomorrow’s Techstravaganza, we will explore a new Ai (artificial intelligence) tool called Perplexity, and all that it has to offer. We will explore the iPhone/iPad app as well as the desktop version which you can find at
    http://www.perplexity.ai

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow afternoon!

  • Messages on the Mac, Thursday, Jan 8, 2026

    Messages app layout changes in macOS 26

    Siena demonstrated the new layout of the Messages app in macOS 26 Tahoe, highlighting significant changes from previous versions.

    • Details
      • Siena: Explained that the conversations table has been moved from the top to the bottom of the interface
      • Siena: Demonstrated that users now need to navigate through the messages collection first before reaching the conversations table
      • Siena: Showed that the search field has also been moved to the bottom of the interface
      • Ali: Commented that the new layout resembles the iPad version of Messages
      • Ashlyn: Noted similar confusing layout changes in other apps like Safari
    • Conclusion
      • The new layout requires users to adjust their navigation patterns
      • The changes appear to be part of Apple’s strategy to make Mac apps more consistent with iPad versions

    Opening conversations in separate windows

    Siena demonstrated how to open multiple conversations in separate windows for easier management.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to use the Actions menu to open a conversation in a new window
      • Siena: Demonstrated using Control+Option+F2 twice to access the window chooser
      • Siena: Explained how to navigate between multiple open conversation windows
      • Ivy: Asked clarifying questions about the window switching process
    • Conclusion
      • Opening conversations in separate windows can make managing multiple chats easier
      • The window chooser (Control+Option+F2 twice) is an efficient way to switch between conversations

    Pinning conversations

    Siena demonstrated how to pin important conversations to keep them at the top of the conversations list.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to access the Actions menu with VO+Command+Space
      • Siena: Demonstrated pinning and unpinning conversations
      • Siena: Explained that pinned conversations stay at the top of the list
      • Ivy: Asked if pinning affects how messages are threaded
    • Conclusion
      • Pinning is useful for keeping frequently used conversations easily accessible
      • Pins sync across Apple devices (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
      • Pinning only affects conversation placement, not message threading

    Message filtering

    Siena demonstrated how to use filters to view specific types of messages.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to access the filter menu in the toolbar
      • Siena: Demonstrated filtering by unread messages, spam, and recently deleted messages
      • Siena: Explained how to return to viewing all messages
    • Conclusion
      • Filters help manage large numbers of conversations
      • The filter menu provides several options for viewing specific message types

    Sending and replying to messages

    Siena demonstrated various ways to interact with messages in conversations.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to type and send new messages
      • Siena: Demonstrated adding reactions to messages using the Actions menu
      • Siena: Explained the difference between general replies and specific replies in group chats
      • Jackie: Asked about proper spacing when using emoticons
      • Ivy: Asked clarifying questions about identifying the message field
    • Conclusion
      • The Messages app supports various ways to interact with conversations
      • The edit field is typically where VoiceOver places users when opening a conversation

    Concerns about Apple’s app design direction

    Participants discussed their concerns about Apple’s approach to Mac app design.

    • Details
      • Ali: Expressed disappointment that Apple is porting iPad apps to Mac rather than maintaining proper desktop versions
      • Ali: Noted that the desktop versions of apps were often lacking features compared to mobile versions
      • Siena: Compared WhatsApp’s desktop app, which maintains a traditional desktop layout
      • Ashlyn: Commented that third-party developers tend to “leave things alone” rather than making unnecessary changes
    • Conclusion
      • Participants generally preferred traditional desktop app layouts for Mac
      • The trend of porting iPad apps to Mac was seen as making navigation less intuitive

    VoiceOver issues on Mac

    Participants discussed ongoing issues with VoiceOver on Mac.

    • Details
      • Siena: Mentioned that VoiceOver on Mac hasn’t been updated or “given any love” by developers
      • Ali: Noted that VoiceOver on Mac has “too many issues, too many quirks”
      • Siena: Demonstrated a glitch where VoiceOver doesn’t save activity settings
      • Ali: Mentioned that some people, like Stephen Scott, have suggested Apple should “start over” with VoiceOver on Mac
      • Ashlyn: Added that VoiceOver on iPhone also has issues
    • Conclusion
      • VoiceOver on Mac appears to have been neglected compared to iOS versions
      • Persistent bugs and quirks make navigation challenging

    Coming up on Techstravaganza

    You can find a list of upcoming topics for the rest of January and most of February at the following link. Please note: the list of topics will soon be updated to reflect added topics. Also, next month’s Techstravaganza 2.0 on February 12, will focus on Jaws basics.

    (corrected), Updated, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for January and February 2026

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

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    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

  • 15 Minute Reminder: Techstravaganza 2.0 Workshop for Thursday, January 8, 2026

    Happy Thursday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place fstarting in exactly 15 minutes, and will run from rom 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!

    Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85221175086?pwd=skKpsQgtimtAyYGw7fuJEFmQK3lDDN.1

    Meeting ID: 852 2117 5086
    Passcode: 150435

    One tap mobile
    +16473744685,,85221175086#,,,,150435# Canada

    On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, we will revisit the Messages app on the Mac, as there have been some layout changes as of MacOs 2026, which I will point out during the workshop.

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you shortly!

  • Creating Urgent Reminders, Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026

    Urgent reminders in iOS 26

    Siena demonstrated the new urgent reminders feature in iOS 26, showing how to mark reminders as urgent to ensure they trigger alarms even when focus modes are active.

    • Details
      • Siena: Demonstrated how to create an urgent reminder for taking medication, showing that urgent reminders will activate even when a focus is on or the device is muted
      • Siena: Showed how to access reminder details and toggle the urgent setting
      • Ali: Clarified that urgent reminders will go to your phone regardless of which device you set them on
    • Conclusion
      • Urgent reminders are useful for time-sensitive notifications that shouldn’t be missed
      • The feature requires permission to allow reminders to schedule alarms
      • Alarms will bypass any focus mode settings

    Creating and organizing reminder lists

    Siena demonstrated how to create and organize lists in the Reminders app to better categorize different types of reminders.

    • Details
      • Siena: Created a “School assignments and tests” list with custom icon and color
      • Jeroo: Asked how to create lists and navigate through the process
      • Liz: Inquired about creating a medical list for doctor’s appointments
      • Ivy: Mentioned having a birthday group under reminders to keep birthdays organized
    • Conclusion
      • Lists can be customized with different colors and icons
      • Creating separate lists helps organize different types of reminders (medical, birthdays, school, etc.)
      • Multiple lists can be created for similar categories (e.g., family birthdays and friends’ birthdays)

    Setting reminder details

    The group discussed various options for setting up reminders, including dates, times, early reminders, and repeat settings.

    • Details
      • Siena: Demonstrated setting dates, times, and early reminders for school assignments
      • Siena: Showed how to set reminders to repeat daily
      • Liz: Asked about how early reminders work compared to urgent alarms
      • Ivy: Clarified that early reminders send a notification rather than an alarm
    • Conclusion
      • Early reminders can be set for various time intervals before the actual reminder
      • Reminders can be set to repeat at different intervals (daily, weekly, etc.)
      • The app offers flexibility in how notifications are delivered

    Shared lists and advanced features

    Siena demonstrated advanced features including shared lists, assigning reminders to specific people, and adding additional details.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed the Techstravaganza shared list where team members track upcoming tutorials
      • Siena: Demonstrated how to assign reminders to specific people in shared lists
      • Siena: Showed how to add location-based reminders and messaging-based reminders
    • Conclusion
      • Shared lists allow for collaborative task management
      • Reminders can be assigned to specific individuals in shared lists
      • Additional context can be added through notes, tags, and other details

    Google Tasks vs. Apple Reminders

    The group discussed the differences between Google Tasks and Apple Reminders and which might be better for different workflows.

    • Details
      • Ali: Asked whether to continue using Apple Reminders or switch to Google Tasks since he uses Google Workspace and PC
      • Siena: Suggested switching to Google Tasks for better integration with Google products
      • Ali: Noted he would lose features like urgent reminders but was okay with that
    • Conclusion
      • Google Tasks integrates better with Google Calendar and Workspace
      • Apple Reminders offers more features like urgent reminders
      • The choice depends on which ecosystem a user primarily works in

    Grocery list templates

    Liz shared her experience with grocery list templates in the Reminders app.

    • Details
      • Liz: Described how a CNIB person set up a grocery list template that automatically categorizes items
      • Liz: Explained how she can use Siri to add items to specific categories
      • Siena: Confirmed this would be covered in a future tutorial
    • Conclusion
      • Smart lists and templates offer advanced organization features
      • Siri integration makes adding items to lists convenient
      • A dedicated tutorial on this feature is planned for March

    Upcoming Techstravaganza workshops

    The team discussed upcoming workshop topics and scheduling for Techstravaganza.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed the Techstravaganza list with upcoming tutorials including Perplexity, Uber app, Apple Music, and more
      • Siena: Scheduled a Google Tasks tutorial for March 4, 2026
      • Ashlyn: Mentioned Perplexity, an AI tool that was requested for a future tutorial
      • Ivy: Shared that Perplexity is more detailed than ChatGPT and provides references
    • Conclusion
      • Google Tasks tutorial scheduled for March 4, 2026
      • Outlook tutorial by Amanda scheduled for February 18, 2026
      • Smart lists and templates tutorial scheduled for March 2026
      • Messages on Mac tutorial scheduled for the next day

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

  • Techstravaganza 2.0 Reminder for Thursday, January 8, 2026

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, January 8, 2026) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!

    Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85221175086?pwd=skKpsQgtimtAyYGw7fuJEFmQK3lDDN.1

    Meeting ID: 852 2117 5086
    Passcode: 150435

    One tap mobile
    +16473744685,,85221175086#,,,,150435# Canada

    On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, we will revisit the Messages app on the Mac, as there have been some layout changes as of MacOs 2026, which I will point out during the workshop.

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening!

  • Techstravaganza Reminder for Wednesday, January 7, 2026

    Happy Tuesday Techstravaganza Friends,I hope you had a safe and happy Holiday season! On behalf of the entire Techstravaganza team, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a safe, healthy and happy new year 2026!

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza (our first workshop of the year!), which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, January 7, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at the Reminders app on the iPhone and iPad. I will walk you through a new feature in iOS and iPadOS 26, which allows you to set an alarm upon creation of an urgent reminder.

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    Once again, I wish you all the very best for the new year 2026, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon for our very first Techstravaganza workshop of the year!

Techstravaganza

Where we come together to teach and learn all things assistive and mainstream technology

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